طبيعت در فلسفه

Nature in Philosophy

Nature has various meaning in the realm of philosophy. It is, in fact, one of the terms that have been used in different meanings in different historical periods. An awareness of such meanings and distinguishing them from each other will help to avoid confusion among different issues. In this paper, the writer has shortly referred to the various meanings of nature in Aristotle, Ibn Sina, and Mulla Sadra. He has also explained the difference between the use of the word `natureʹ, on the one hand, and those of `potencyʹ, `formʹ, and `temperamentʹ. The general meaning of nature is the very essence, and its specific meaning refers to anything that constitutes essence. Therefore, since specific forms constitute essence, they are called nature. The particular meaning of nature is the primary source of motion and rest. In Ibn Sinaʹs view, nature is a motion that is emanated from an inanimate body following a specific method. Aristotle considers nature as the sum total of natural objects, i.e. the collection of objects that are prepared for the beginning of a change that is going to reach an end. After referring to the three-fold meanings of nature, Mulla Sadra deals with the relation between nature and form. He argues the form is the actuality of an object. This meaning of form in simple things refers to their nature, since the nature in a simple body is the same as its actuality. The difference between these two terms pertains to their concepts rather than to their referents. However, form is not identical with nature in composite things, and the difference between the two is a real one. Mulla Sadra also proposes another meaning for nature and says that nature itself enjoys renewed beings that represent motion. This motion can be essential or accidental; it can exist in bodies lacking in awareness or in bodies enjoying it; it can be voluntary or involuntary; it can follow a single or multiple methods in action. In this sense, like motion, the nature is continually in renewal. Mulla Sadra also demonstrates the createdness of the world in this way.